SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1449
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections, March 20, 2019
Title: An act relating to recognizing the fourth Saturday of September as public lands day.
Brief Description: Recognizing the fourth Saturday of September as public lands day.
Sponsors: Representatives Peterson, Chandler, Doglio, Ortiz-Self, Blake, Gregerson, Tharinger, Dolan, Frame, Stanford, Chapman, Fitzgibbon, Davis, Santos, Lovick, Tarleton, Jinkins and Ormsby.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/07/19, 97-0.
Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections: 3/15/19, 3/20/19 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Hunt, Chair; Kuderer, Vice Chair; Zeiger, Ranking Member; Bailey, Hasegawa, Hawkins and Takko.
Staff: Melissa Van Gorkom (786-7491)
Background: Apart from state legal holidays, the state identifies certain days of recognition throughout the year. Such recognition dates commemorate an event, individual, or groups of persons. There are currently 15 specific days recognized by the Legislature, but not considered legal holidays.
National Public Lands Day began in 1994 and is held annually on the fourth Saturday in September. National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort. The National Environmental Education Foundation, established under the National Environmental Education Act of 1990, coordinates National Public Lands Day with participating federal agencies. Other states, including Nevada, Colorado, and Virginia, recognize Public Lands Day on varying days.
Summary of Bill: The fourth Saturday in September is recognized as Public Lands Day but is not considered a legal holiday for any purpose.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a great opportunity to showcase public lands. From our beaches to our mountains, public lands are great economic drivers for tourism, outdoor recreation and all other things that mean so much to Washingtonians. $2.6 billion are spent in the outdoor recreation industry annually supporting about 200,000 jobs. The creation of Public Lands Day would not only serve to highlight these impacts to the economy but also provide an opportunity for organizations to engage with users to teach them about important etiquette like Leave No Trace principles, the history of our lands, and to encourage the use of public lands by populations that may not traditionally have the opportunity to get outdoors.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Strom Peterson, Prime Sponsor; James Moschella, Washington Trails Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.